1914 Star

Engraved: 7075 L.Cpl. D. Crighton 1/Gord:Highrs
Bars: none.

Terms

The star was awarded to all officers, non-commissioned officers
and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces, (including
civilian medical practitioners, nursing sisters, nurses and others
who were employed with military hospitals), serving in France
or Belgium on the establishment of the British Expeditionary Forces
between 05 August 1914 and midnight of 22/23 November 1914. The
medal was not issued for service afloat. It is often called the
'MONS STAR'.

Bars

5th Aug. - 22nd Nov. 1914: The bar was awarded to those
who served under fire or were present on duty within range of
the enemy mobile artillery in France or Belgium between the above
dates and on the strength of units and formations contained in
the official lists.

Description

A bronze star measuring 1.75 inches wide and 2.25 inches top to
bottom. A four-pointed star has its uppermost point replaced by
a crown. Across the face of the star are two crossed swords (blades
upward), the blades and hilts of which protrude and thus form
additional points of the star.

Obverse

In the centre are three scrolls, on the top scroll is the month
abut, with the date 1914 and the month NOV on the middle and bottom
scrolls. The three scrolls are surrounded by a laurel wreath 0.75
inches in diameter and on the bottom of the wreath is superscribed
the Royal Cypher GV (with the V inside a larger G).

Reverse

The reverse is plain and displays the recipient's number, rank,
name and unit. The Canadian 1914 Stars most commonly show: 2-STA.HOSP.C.A.M.C.
for the unit.

Mounting

The ring for suspension is stamped out solid with the piece and
is attached to the top point of the crown.

Ribbon

The watered ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and shaded left to right:
red, white, and blue. The recipient of a bar wears a small silver
rosette on the ribbon in undress.

Naming

See REVERSE

Dates

The medal was authorized in April 1917, and the bar on 19 October
1919.

Issued

There were 160 awarded to 2nd Canadian Stationary Hospital members
who served with the British Expeditionary Force beginning 06 November
1914. A few Canadians who were attached to British Units also
received the medal.

Approximately 378,000 medals plus 145,000 bars were awarded to
members of the British Expeditionary Force.